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Recently, I took a break from posting "status updates" to Twitter, aka "tweeting." As the vast majority of any posts I make to Facebook are through my linked Twitter account, this also meant I was taking a break from posting "status updates" there too.

This came about as a personal response to my studying/teaching/preaching through Jesus' Sermon On The Mount, specifically, Matthew 6:1-6.

Jesus says, "Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired..." He doesn't say don't do public good deeds, and He doesn't say don't allow anyone to admire you. It's a matter of the heart. What do I truly value? What are my true motives?

Continuing, Jesus says, "don't tell your left hand what your right hand is doing." This is a reference to one's closest friends. The "right hand" is your confidant, or closest friend. The "left hand" is the one who covers your weak spot. Today we would…

I promise more "real" blog entries are coming. I just had to share this 100% right-on parenting funny from Mikey's Funnies:

ARE YOU READY FOR PARENTHOOD?

A brief battery of tests for prospective parents

MESS TEST: Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains. Now dig with your hands in the wet flower bed and rub on the walls. Cover the stains with crayons. Place a fish stick behind the couch and leave it there all summer.

TOY TEST: Obtain a 55-gallon box of Legos. (If Legos are not available, you may substitute roofing tacks or broken bottles.) Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a blindfold. Try to walk to the bathroom or kitchen. Do not scream, as this could wake a child at night.

GROCERY STORE TEST: Borrow at least two small animals (goats are best). Take them with you as you shop at the grocery store. Always keep them in sight and pay for anything they eat or damage.

I'm continuing to prepare my heart for jumping into Matthew 6, all-in, with Oaklawn Church of God tomorrow. Over 6 months ago, I began to read, study, and process Jesus' Sermon On the Mount in preparation of teaching from His words. Through this time, God has led me to 8 specific principles that I have personally been working on...

...and in all honesty, I realize how much work I have yet to do. What I mean is, this weekend I'm preaching from Matthew 6:1-4, and my toes are a smashed/mangled mess. The weird thing about this is - I am PUMPED about having my toes stepped on! I sense the genesis of a new season of fresh awakening, and I am breathing the fresh air of renewal! Have you had the sensation of the clouds being lifted, and you had never realized they were there?

Here are the 8 principles that I believe combine to create, sustain, and share the inner-peace that Jesus Messiah brings. These are not "pick-and-choose." One must discover & employ them…

Last year, I wrote this on my "New Year" blog entry: "I am on the lookout for those who would join me in proclaiming 2011 as the Year of the Jesus Freaks! I'm looking for those who will say it with words and actions. I'm not looking for coasting-christians, who just say a few good words and donate a few bucks when the time comes - those are EASY to find.... I actually know where a bunch of those are already. No no, I'm looking for what has essentially been missing from the core of the American church - a PASSION for the Messiah, a DEVOTION to God, and those who are ARDENT-ENTHUSIASTS for Grace and Peace! I am not proposing any kind of "anti-" campaign, or calling people to take a stand against... I'm saying, live FOR God OUT-LOUD, and show love FOR people, even those you don't agree with or even like. It's time we FOCUS on God and what His Way is truly all about!" This year I'm proceeding with focus and intent on…

I feel the most fully alive when I'm experiencing something new. And teaching others. And teaching others so that something new is awakened in them. Life is meant to be lived. People are meant to be loved.
Jesus is the Subject.